TheSamba.com :: View topic - What's a good battery to buy for a '71 bug?

Thu Feb 20, 2020 6:54 am

You mean the clamp in the back? I run into that with various batteries. I just modify the clamp - do it a couple different way depending on the battery.

Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:10 am

Yes that’s the issue. I’m just putting a block of wood there to take up the space.

Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:19 am

odyssey pc1200

Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:55 am

andk5591 wrote: Change batteries every 3 years? As long as you don't let them drain too low, I typically get close to 10 years or more out of most of them. Was only getting a couple years out of our dune buggy battery before I started using a decent battery tender on it. Hell, my 94 Ranger (bought new) has had the battery replaced once (just basic conventional battery). The Optima in my 65 is 12 years old and the newest Optima in any of the other VWs is 8 years old.
I had an Optima Red Top battery in my Toyota van. It provided reliable service for almost 10yrs. They are good batteries but like all car batteries (excluding deep discharge batteries) if you drain them too many times they will die. Considering my Beetle is not a daily driver there is always the risk I will leave it sitting too long and the battery will be fully drained.

Having a warranty that allows me to take it back at any time and get a NEW one at zero cost... THAT sounds like a great deal.

I just need to set a reminder for Jan 2023 to take it back to Costco. :D
The good thing for me is that even in a worse case situation... the Costco warehouse is within walking distance from my home. Just need to put that battery on my 4-wheel garden cart and take a nice stroll over to replace it.

Thu Feb 20, 2020 1:40 pm

I use a superstart group 90 batery, part 90prmj. It has a ton of power and reserve capacity, way more than is needed for a bug. 90ah reserve, 590 cca. I like it becuase when if I ever need to crank it over for a long time or need to use the electrical without the engine it lasts for forever.

Thu Feb 20, 2020 2:52 pm

Speaking of Group 42 batteries, what is the difference between a regular Group 42, and an MT Group 42.

I ask because when the time comes for replacing my seven-year-old Duralast battery, I want to buy an Interstate. But the one I see that they have advertised has the letters “MT” as a prefix. What’s up with that?

Tim

Thu Feb 20, 2020 3:36 pm

MT= megatron
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=megatron+batt...;FORM=VIRE

Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:31 pm

Tim Donahoe wrote: Speaking of Group 42 batteries, what is the difference between a regular Group 42, and an MT Group 42.
It looks like they are just different levels of batteries, though only the MT series has an actual Group 42 battery. For the other series you need to look for other "near fit" battery groups.

From the Interstate site:
M Line Car and Truck Batteries - (M47/H5) Equipped with ample cranking power, the Interstate Batteries M Line is perfect for the value-minded customer. Backed by an 18-month free replacement warranty, this automotive battery offers reliable performance to get you where you need to be.

MT Car and Truck Batteries - (MT42, MT47/H5) Experience classic Interstate power with Interstate Batteries MT line. With a 24-month free replacement and a five-year performance warranty, this battery for cars and trucks offers the longest life in hot to moderate climates (of MTP/MT options) due to a high electrolyte-to-lead- ratio that resists extreme temperatures.

MTP Car and Truck Batteries - (??) Interstate Batteries' MTP line has you covered with high-cranking performance for cold to moderate climates. With 30-month free replacement and six-year performance, this line of car and truck batteries will meet or exceed vehicle starting needs to get you where you need to be.

MTX Line Car and Truck Batteries - (MTX47/H5) The MTX absorbed glass-mat (AGM) battery offers long life and premium performance. With a 36-month free replacement warranty, this battery will meet or exceed your vehicle's starting requirements and deliver lasting power in AGM-required applications.

MTZ Line Car and Truck Batteries - (??) The MTZ absorbed glass-mat (AGM) battery with Pure Matrix™ power feeds power-hungry vehicles while serving up powerful engine starts. With a 48-month free replacement warranty and longest-life performance, this battery delivers lasting power for today's high-accessory vehicles and motorists who use plug-ins such as DVD players, phone chargers and GPS devices.

Wed Mar 11, 2020 10:24 am

New battery from Odyssey that's supposed to fit.

https://www.odysseybattery.com/Batteries/Model_96R600

Have no experience with this particular battery. If anyone does, please share.